Wade to lead Australia for NZ ODIs in Smith's absence

Matthew Wade, the 29-year-old wicketkeeper, has been named Australia's stand-in One-Day International (ODI) captain for the three-match Chappell-Hadlee series against New Zealand in the absence of Steve Smith, who was ruled out with an ankle injury, and David Warner, who was rested. Wade will serve as Australia's 24th ODI captain in the series which begins in Auckland on Monday (January 30). No vice-captain has been named for the tour yet.

"Being asked to captain Australia is obviously not something I was expecting and it is still sinking in, but I am hugely honoured by the decision of the selectors and the Board of Directors and very excited about it," Wade said on Friday (January 27).

In-form Warner, who topped the ICC rankings for ODI batsmen, has been rested from the tour in preparation for Australia's upcoming four-Test tour to India in February-March. Wade was therefore, an automatic choice, especially after having enjoyed the confidence of selectors and the captain alike as Australia's primary gloveman across Tests and ODIs.

"With Steve Smith and David Warner absent its an opportunity for me to captain the side for three matches but Im not about to change too much and its a case of trying to continue the disciplines that have earned us success in the recent past," he added.

Trevor Hohns, Australia's interim selector, said Wade's promotion to the responsibility was the logical option given the current circumstances, also expressing confidence about the Victorian's abilities. "We had a few options as captain in the absence of Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner but Matthew Wade was the logical option given his leadership experience with Victoria and the fact he is very much a leader within the group already.

"We did discuss the situation with David Warner, but after doing so the NSP made the decision that it was in his best interests and in the best interests of the team that we continued with our original plan to give him a break for this series. That was our call and, that way, we will ensure David is fresh and ready to go in the build-up to the Test series in India that follows."

Wade had, earlier in the week, revealed his decision to make the move back from Victoria to his home state of Tasmania for family reasons. That would effectively end his decade-long tryst with Victoria, where he served as captain for four seasons.

In addition, Sam Heazlett, the 21-year-old from Queensland was added to the squad without having played a one-day game at the state level yet. "Sam showed last summer what a talented player he is by averaging over 40 in his debut season at first-class level and he impressed again when playing for the National Performance Squad against A teams from Australia, South Africa and India in Townsville and Mackay during this past winter," Hohns said on his inclusion.

The Australian squad will arrive in Auckland today with Heazlett due to join the team later.